Roof racks can potentially damage a car if not installed or used correctly. To prevent damage, ensure proper installation, follow weight limits, use protective padding, and regularly inspect for any signs of wear or loosening.
Preventing Car Damage from Roof Racks
Roof racks are a standard accessory for people transporting luggage, bicycles, kayaks, or any other bulky items inside the car. It’s a safe and secure way to convey various gears. Many people have a question: do roof racks damage the car? Well, the answer is yes. It actually damages the car.
For example, the car can be damaged if the overall conveying weight surpasses the roof rack limit. Contrariwise, not unfastening the rack during a car wash can mark a spot over the car.
So, what? Should you stop using the rack to save your car? If you do, your car will be saved, but your journey will be inconvenient. Hence, you must find a way how to balance it. If you can take some necessary steps, then you can successfully prevent this scenario. You can stop the roof rack from damaging your car.
Here, I’ll discuss this –
How Roof Racks Damage Your Car?
I’ve already been told that the roof rack can damage your car. However, it’s preventable. If you take some essential measurements, you can successfully prevent it. Before that, you’ve to know how roof racks damage your car. Well, let’s take a look –
Incorrect Installation
If you install the roof rack incorrectly, there’s a massive chance it can damage the car. If the rack just got tightened lightly or doesn’t tighten correctly, the chances of dangling can be increased.
Besides, the chances of accidents also get more extensive due to poor roof rack installation.
High Speed
If you drive your vehicle at very high speed, especially in adverse weather conditions, the rack loads can slump. It also leads to a severe accident.
Load Capacity
Most roof racks come with a load capacity. It means that they can hold a specific weight of luggage or cargo. There’s a considerable risk that the roof can be damaged if you exceed the load weight limit.
Nevertheless, the problem won’t only stay around the car! Surpassing load capacity can also put other road users in danger. Therefore, before loading your luggage, you must check the roof rack’s weight limit.
Hence, you must ensure that you’re within the limit.
Design and Quality of the Mounts
The design and quality of the mounts that hold the roof rack in place can also affect your car. If the mounts don’t fit properly, they may scratch your car’s roof or cause damage to the paint. Additionally, poor-quality mounts may also get slacken and fall off during transit. As a result, it can cause damage to your car.
For this reason, before buying a roof rack, ensure the mounts are high quality. They also must fit your car correctly. Consequently, you should also check the manufacturer’s instructions for installation to avoid any damage or safety hazards.
Roof Rack Uses
Another factor affecting your car’s roof is how often you use the rack. If you’re using the roof rack frequently, it may cause wear and tear to the roof, causing damage to the paint and creating rust spots.
Moreover, the roof rack itself may accumulate dirt and debris, which can cause further damage to your car. Therefore, installing a roof rack only when necessary and removing it when you’re done is advisable.
How to Install the Roof Rack Properly to Prevent Damage to Your Car
Since roof rack can cause severe damage to your car, it should be wise to install it carefully. Let’s check the ways how you can do it –
Step 1: Choose the Right Roof Rack
Before you start the installation process, selecting the appropriate roof rack for your vehicle is essential. This is the foremost thing to do before installing a roof rack. Your money will be wasted if the rack doesn’t suit the vehicle.
Step 2: Collect the Essential Tools
You’ll need some necessary tools to set up the rack. The tools include a wrench or socket set, screwdriver, measuring tape, and possibly a rubber mallet. Before beginning the task, collect these tools.
Step 3: Prepare the Roof and Rack
Thoroughly clean the roof of your car to remove any dirt, debris, or wax that may interfere with the roof rack’s attachment. Additionally, ensure that the roof rack components are in good condition and free from defects or damage.
Step 4: Place the Rack
Carefully place the roof rack on your vehicle’s roof. You need to align it with the mounting points or roof rails. Take note of any alignment markers or indicators provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper positioning.
Step 5: Attach the Roof Rack
Secure the roof rack to the designated mounting points using the provided mounting hardware and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Tighten the bolts or screws firmly, but be cautious not to over-tighten, as it may cause damage.
Step 6: Test the Stability
After attaching the roof rack, gently shake it to test its stability. Ensure that it is securely fastened and doesn’t wobble or shift excessively. If you notice any instability, recheck the installation and tighten the connections as necessary.
Step 7: Adjust and Level the Rack
If your roof rack allows for adjustment, make any necessary modifications. This is how you can ensure it is level and properly aligned on your vehicle’s roof. This step is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality.
Step 8: Install Accessories and Load Items
Once the roof rack is securely installed, you can attach any additional accessories, such as bike racks, kayak carriers, or cargo boxes, based on your specific needs. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing accessories to maintain safety.
Step 9: Test the Load Distribution
Before hitting the road, distribute the load evenly across the roof rack. Uneven weight distribution can affect the stability and handling of your vehicle. Ensure that the load is secured correctly and won’t shift during transit.
How to Prevent Roof Racks from Damaging Cars?
Here, I’ll show you in-depth how you can prevent roof racks from damaging cars –
Secure the Rack
You must ensure that the bolts are sharply lubricated. If they’re not, purchase a lubricant and use it on them to keep them smooth. You can buy KROIL Kano Penetrating Oil for that. They penetrate fast and productively remove any corrosion from the bolt.
Using the car regularly will drastically loosen the rack from the car due to the car movements. For this reason, checking the rack’s latest status is necessary. Hence, you should check and secure them correctly to stay on the safe side.
Don’t Overload it
While using the rack, don’t overload it. Instead, try to keep some space inside the rack. As a result, the rack will stay fresh and in good condition. Overloading the rack may severely damage the car. It can also be the reason for an accident. So, don’t neglect it.
Stay Careful During Wash
If you take the car for a wash, you must take off the rack before the task. There is a big chance that cleaning gear can get stuck on the rack. As a result, the rack and car can be damaged. Yes, a professional cleaning place has highly expert people, but taking a precautionary measurement is still recommended.
FAQs
Q – Will the roof rack scratch my car?
A – Yes, it can. If you don’t tighten the rack properly or get a rack that doesn’t suit your vehicle, there’s a massive chance it will make dents on your car.
Q – How can I protect my car from the roof rack?
A – You must purchase a rack that suits your car, fit the rack perfectly, ensure there are no sharp edges from the rack, use padding between the car and cargo, etc.; tasks can safeguard the car from the rack.
Q – What should I consider when driving a car with a roof rack?
A – You should control your speed, drive safely on the road, stay careful about the bumps, and keep your eyes open for low vertical clearances.
Bottom Line
Most manufacturing companies build roof racks carefully. Therefore, it’s almost impossible for a rack to damage the car unless installed improperly. So, you should install it correctly. Besides, purchase a rack designed for your car’s model, make, and year. However, following the manufacturer’s guidelines before installing the rack is most important. You should also follow the rules provided by them. This is how you can prevent the rack from damaging the car.
